LAVINGTON Panthers have been put on notice their Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League opening round match could be moved due to the ongoing $19.6 million redevelopment of the facility.
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Albury Council last week notified the Panthers and the O and M league a contingency plan would be required in the event the match scheduled for April 4 had to be moved.
An announcement on whether a switch was required could be made midweek with grandstand extension works presently encroaching onto the playing arena.
"The one-match transfer would allow work to continue as we develop one of regional Australia's premier sporting venues," Albury Council chief executive Frank Zaknich said.
"All other scheduled fixtures for the season will continue, with the ground to be temporarily reduced in area, in line with playing guidelines and consultation with the club and the league.
"We will continue to work with user groups to ensure access to change rooms prior to the opening of the new amenities building in April."
"We look forward to delivering an outstanding stadium that will lead the way in regional sport and events."
But switching the match less than a month before the season starts is problematical.
The Panthers are drawn to play at home in round one against Wodonga Bulldogs, but a flip of the draw involving the two clubs faces an immediate hurdle with Wodonga Saints, who are a co-tenant at John Flower Oval, playing at home on April 4.
A Sunday match between the two clubs at John Flower Oval would leave Wodonga with only a four-day break to its next match on Good Friday.
Albury and North Albury are also drawn to play at home on April 4.
The Urana Road Oval, which is the home ground of the Hume league Murray Magpies, is not being used on April 4.
"We haven't yet been advised that Lavington Sportsground is officially unavailable," O and M chairman David Sinclair said.
"If that is the case we will work with Lavington and Wodonga to source a suitable alternative."
Meanwhile, the new amenities building will be completed next month.
